Waterville church, UT to stage benefit productions

Eldon Lee, left, and Karen Wiggins in 'The Education of Angels.'

Altruism abounds this weekend as Waterville United Methodist Church’s Theatre for the World and the University of Toledo present separate productions to raise funds and awareness for different causes.

In Waterville, two angels are sent to earth on an unknown mission to earn their wings in The Education of Angels, which opens Friday at United Methodist. Proceeds will benefit the hungry.

Brian Schultz, founder of Theatre for the World, launched the group seven years ago asking for canned goods and other nonperishable food items to donate to the Anthony Wayne Food Pantry and the Otsego Food Pantry. A portion of the proceeds also goes toward the Dig-A-Well in Africa Project Fund.

Since its inception, “we have raised over $15,000 and over 650 bags of groceries,” said Tom Wiggins, who is part of this year’s crew.

The productions have helped feed the hungry and have opened the church to many people, Wiggins said. “It’s kind of a nonreligious way to reach out to folks. It’s been interesting [that] as this thing has grown our audience grows as well. It’s a lot of folks who aren’t from our church; not even from our area. Sometimes it’s just planting the seeds and inviting people into your church without it being a church event.”

The church’s youth group will host a lasagna dinner prior to the Saturday show to raise money for its 2013 mission trip to Indianapolis.

“The Education of Angels” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Waterville United Methodist Church, 102 N. Fifth Street, Waterville. Admission is free. Donations are accepted. Theatergoers are asked to bring a canned good or other nonperishable food item. The youth group will host a lasagna dinner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The dinner cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children. Dinner reservations are required. Information: 419-878-3645.

The University of Toledo Scott Park Campus will host two performances of The Vagina Monologues this weekend to raise money and awareness for women’s anti-violence groups.

Eve Ensler’s play utilizes humor and grace to celebrate women’s sexuality and strength. The monologues are based on interviews with more than 200 women. Ensler allows organizations to perform the play as part of V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls. More than $75 million has been raised for the cause since 1998.

UT’s production will benefit Toledo’s Take Back the Night and Bowling Green’s Alicia’s Voice, organizations to help end violence against women.

“The Vagina Monologues” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the University of Toledo Scott Park Campus Auditorium, 2225 Nebraska Ave. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at People Called Women Bookstore, 6060 Renaissance Place. A resource fair of businesses owned and operated by women will be held each night at 6 p.m. Information: 419-450-0482.

Colorful Coat

MONROE — The Monroe Community Players this weekend will open Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical spectacular is the retelling of the biblical story of Joseph’s adventures, jealous brothers, and devoted father. The production is filled with high-energy dance routines and a variety of musical styles including rock and roll, calypso, and country.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday through March 23 and at 2 p.m. Sunday and March 24 at the La-Z-Boy Center Meyer Theater at Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students. Information: 734-241-7900 or monroecommunityplayers.org.

Please send theater items at least two weeks in advance to jnjaim@theblade.com.